9 Months Old!

At nine months old, Nate is:
*becoming quite the independent little guy
*walking as long as he is holding on to something
*on only formula these days; mommy gave up trying to nurse
*loves snacks like mum mums, puffs, etc.
* a total Mommy's boy
* talking all his baby babble that makes no sense
*sleeping somewhat better at night

Happy New Year! (A little late)

Welcome 2011. Although I am behind, like always, I'm excited about the new year. We had a pretty laid back New Year's Eve. Dane's mom and dad watched the boys while we went out to eat and enjoyed a quiet dinner and some adult conversation. Other than that, we were at home and in bed shortly after 10:00pm. I really didn't make a new year's resolution this year; I just want to keep my family happy, healthy, and safe. I want to take life a little slower and take the time to appreciate the little things in my life that mean the most. I want to watch my boys grow and not look at them one day and wonder when did they get so big. How did I miss that? I want wake up each morning knowing that it is going to be a great day because I have an amazing family, a great job, and a life that so many people can only dream about having. So bring it on 2011; life is good.

Christmas 2010!

Christmas started a little early for us. We had my dad (AKA "Popo Loewe") and Uncle Joe, Aunt Lolo, and cousin Coy over to our house Dec. 23rd to celebrate Christmas. It was low key and relaxed. It was a special Christmas for all of us because Nate and Coy got to celebrate their first Christmas together.

Christmas Eve, we went to Papa and Nana Rau's house to celebrate Christmas along with the Hardy's. We went over there shortly after lunch so that the kids could spend the afternoon playing with one another. That evening we all went to church together and then went back to Papa and Nana's house to eat supper and open another round of Christmas gifts. It was fun watching and seeing all of the joy and excitement on the kids' faces as they opened their gifts. It was another great Christmas with everyone.

When we got home Christmas Eve night, we put out cookies that we had made and a glass of milk for Santa. Of course, we couldn't forget about the reindeer; Kade had made some "magic" reindeer food at school, so we put that out on the sidewalk for Santa's flying helpers. At around 5:30ish the next morning, we had to very eager little boys ready to get up and go see what Santa had left for them under the tree. Brady had asked Santa for a new gun and a bow and arrow, while Kade asked for a new t-ball bat and a bow and arrow. Since Nate couldn't speak up for himself, his older brothers told Santa that he just needed some new toys. Needless to say, our day started out bright and early. As a mother, it melted my heart to see the excitement and joy on my boys' faces as they opened those gifts. Nate even got into the paper ripping. It was a great "First Christmas" for our little man. Thank you "Santa" for another great Christmas.

Hog Hunting!

Dane had his deer camera up on some family property off of hwy 105 during deer season, and most of the time when he checked it there were pictures of wild hogs that were coming to his feeder and eating his corn. Brady had been asking him all deer season to shoot a big, black pig. He decided to take Kade down there one night to see if they could get lucky enough to get one of the hogs. Well, they got lucky; one big, stinky, black bore hog is what they came home with. Kade was so excited. Brady had fallen asleep before they got home, but we woke him up to see the big, black pig that he had been waiting all season for. I think he was satisfied.

Christmas Program at Church!

This year (by year I mean 2010) all three boys were in the Christmas program at church. Kade was one of the grandchildren visiting their grandmother and got snowed in. While snowed in, they found a puzzle. The puzzle was the story of Jesus' birth. As the grandchildren put the puzzle together, the story came to life on the alter next to them. Brady and Nate were lambs that came in with the shepards. They were too cute. Brady, as usual, was quite hesitant about going up front, but with the help of Mommy walking up with him, we got him to go. He does not like to be the center of attention in front of a big crowd. It was a cute program that helped us remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Maurer/Siemsglusz/Rau Christmas 2010!

We had our 2nd Annual Christmas with Maurer and Siemsglusz families. The Maurer's had us all over to their house where we enjoyed great company and good homemade Mexican food. I can't say that it was what you would call a relaxed evening with nine kiddos all under the age of six, but it was sure fun. The kids all exchanged gifts with one another and enjoyed seeing what everyone got. Thank you for hosting us once again Jamie and Wes, and it was great hanging out with all of you. We can't wait until next year.
It's kind of hard to get nine kids to look at the camera and smile at the same time.

Santa Baby!


Kade got a new pair of binoculars.


Brady got a homemade bow that Wesley made for him.


Nate got a new bath toy.


Nate enjoying his first Christmas experience.

Silly boy!